The Waikato immigration scheme was part of an attempt by the General Government to bring
large numbers of immigrants to the North Island. It was felt that the establishment of
European settlements would help to consolidate the Government's position after the Maori
Wars, and facilitate the development of the regions involved, to the mutual advantage of the general and provincial governments. The cost of such settlements would be recovered from the sale of neighbouring land.

The Government originally intended to bring about 20,000 immigrants to the Waikato, recruiting them from the Cape colony (South Africa), Britain and Ireland. To finance this scheme and other government expenses, a 3 million pound loan was to be raised in London, of which Auckland Province would be granted 150,000 pounds for introducing settlers plus 450,000 pounds for surveys and other incidental expenses. Immigrants would be recruited by the Auckland Provincial Government's agents acting on behalf of the General Government, plus other agents appointed for the purpose. The immigrants would be settled on land available under the New Zealand Settlements Act 1863.